chofield is taking the lead on training sessions as Rovers recruit a first-team manager, and Schofield was pleased with the attitude of his players as they returned to the club on Thursday.

He said: “I got out of bed in the morning like a young lad I was so excited - it was like Christmas Day.

“It’s not a job is it, there’s great excitement doing what we do and you look forward to every day. The players get the maximum out of their days every day.”

Thursday morning saw players go through various tests, before an afternoon of fitness and ball work.

Schofield added: “The first few days are always long, but it’s a process that you have to go through as you need all the measurements and the like. We can gauge their fitness to make sure we progressing at a pace that is just right to get them ready for when the games start.

“I had a meeting with the staff and players, and said it was about being ready. Our first friendly is on July 9 at Rossington Main and our build-up is towards that, we need to make sure we’ve got good fitness levels and the touches, movement and ball manipulation is good.”